A Monumental Affair at Harmony Grove Cemetery — June 24, 2018

Ohhh this looks so cool. I saw this posted on the Salem Historical Society Facebook page and had to share.

Per the Facebook event:
“The Board of Trustees of Harmony Grove Cemetery cordially invite all history lovers, and cemetery aficionados to “A Monumental Affair at Harmony Grove Cemetery” on Sunday, June 24th from 2 pm to 5 pm.

The afternoon festivities will kick-off at 2:00 with self-guided tours of a curated selection of Harmony Grove’s most significant monuments. Self-guided tours will continue until 3:30. Simultaneously, Jesse Marsolais, stone carver will be giving demonstrations on the art of monument and stone carving. At 3:30, Visitors will be invited into Blake Chapel for Harmony Grove Cemetery’s first ever History Open Mic. Following the History Open Mic at HGC session there will be a reception.

Self-Guided Walking Tour (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm):

Enjoy and explore on your own a self-guided walking tour of this historic cemetery. Learn about the cemetery’s history, and notable monuments and residents, including John Bertram, one of Salem’s most generous philanthropists, Caroline Emmerton, founder of the House of the Seven Gables, and Leverett Saltonstall, Salem’s first mayor.

Please note that this tour involves several inclines. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Stone Carving Conversations & Demonstrations (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm):

Event attendees with an interest in lettering, stone carving and/or gravestones will learn a bit of historical background about the craft as well as how it is done. With a mallet and chisel in hand, Jesse Marsolais, a stone carving artisan will demonstrate his craft, and discuss techniques used by Roman masons and Colonial American farmers alike. Simple ornamentation will be addressed and, time permitting, attempted.

More about the Artisan: Jesse Marsolais’ work in letterpress printing and lettering in stone is informed by the traditional apprenticeships he was able to pursue in each craft, first under John Kristensen at Boston’s Firefly Press, then under Nicholas Benson at The John Stevens Shop in Newport, Rhode Island. The careful transmission of classical principles and processes enabled by the master/apprentice relationship is critical to the accurate preservation of traditional crafts. Having benefited immensely from this unique educational experience, he is eager to pay it forward.

History Open Mic in the Blake Chapel at Harmony Grove Cemetery (3:30 pm – 4:15 pm)

HGC History Open Mic participates will share an interesting history or story about a notable HGC resident, or a significant monument on the grounds of Harmony Grove Cemetery. Charles Newhall, a history teacher at St. John’s Prep, and practicing historian will be the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Each speaker will be limited to 10 minutes.

Sign-ups for History Open Mic at HGC participates will be at the door on the afternoon of the event, or in advance by calling Becky Putnam (978-601-8725). Slots are limited, and HGC will vet potential candidates for suitability for the venue, and give individuals a time to speak/perform in the history show.

Donations:

Donations are gratefully accepted, and a $10 donation is suggested. Donations include a HGC Booklet, and the Reception following the History Open Mic session. Children under 12 are invited as special complimentary guests of HGC, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

To learn more about Harmony Grove Cemetery, visit our website harmonygrovesalem.org

We hope to see you Sunday, June 24th!”

This event takes place on June 24, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Harmony Grove Cemetery. 30 Grove St. Salem, MA 01970. Enjoy!! <3